Social movements
Follow them latest news live from strikes in France and around the world on “20 Minutes” via our articles and live commentary. Strike is a protest movement in which workers refuse to work for reasons such as wage demands, working conditions or company policies.
These can be organized by unions or by individual workers, and can be limited to a company or industry or be broader and affect the whole country. They often impact production and services, and can cause economic and social disruption. However, they can also be seen as a legitimate way for workers to make their demands heard and push for change.
In France, the right to strike is a fundamental right, guaranteed by the Constitution of 1958 and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789. This right allows all workers in the public and private sector to stop their work to demand social, economic or professional improvements. The right to strike is governed by strict rules to guarantee respect for public order and the protection of the rights of workers and employers. Thus, before initiating a strike, workers must respect a legal notice procedure, which varies depending on the sector of activity and the type of strike envisaged.
The notice must be sent to the employer or the competent authority at least five days before the planned date of the strike, or two days in the event of a surprise strike. It must specify the reasons for the strike, the start and expected end date, as well as the number of workers affected. During the strike, workers have the right not to work and to demonstrate peacefully to assert their demands. However, they cannot hinder freedom of work, nor resort to violence or intimidation.
In the event of an illegal or abusive strike, employers can resort to disciplinary measures or economic sanctions, such as withholding wages or dismissal for serious misconduct. Workers can also be prosecuted for the offense of obstructing freedom of work.
